Friends of Longford Park (FOLP)

Memories of Longford Park

Posted by rylands on March 28th, 2008 in Longford Park Memories

Do you remember the Queen’s visit to Longford Park? Have you attended pageants, festivals and events in the park? Did you grow up in the area and have a story to tell?

Terry Christian, the well known Manchester music presenter, recalls when he was a kid, kicking a ball around in Longford Park and meeting Sir Matt Busby and Joe Mercer. Enthralled, Terry wanted to get their autographs and the two football legends were still there waiting for him after he had raced home to fetch his autograph book!

A slightly less cheery recollection was provided by Morrissey, the famous Manchester singer. When asked in January 2006 what he most remembered about growing up in Stretford:-
“Of Stressford….mostly Longford Park, where I more or less lived every day - every corner a dark memory.”
Source: http://true-to-you.net/morrissey_news_060104_01

The BBC recently published an account by John Parkinson, who grew up in Old Trafford during the second world war:-

Back in Old Trafford life was back to normal for a while and I remember seeing from Longford Park Stretford all the vapour trails in the sky as some of the Battle of Britain spilled over into the North. Barrage balloons were the norm, one being based in Hullard Park nearby.
Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/ww2peopleswar/

If you have any interesting stories, pictures, facts or reflections that you would like to share with us then please add your comments below or email us at:- info@folp.org.uk .

2 Responses to “Memories of Longford Park”

Barbara Frost Says::
September 7th, 2010 at 6:24 am
Longford Park is part of my history, as a child I enjoyed the swings, then a little later was part of the Pageant a, event I looked forward to each year - followed by the Fair which I save my pocket money for. I remember the brass band concerts and my first ‘grownup’ dance was in the hall and somewhere I have photograph of me in a long dress

I was a member of Firswood LIbrary so was often in the area. When I was a teenager it was popular to meet for a kiss and cuddle in sitting arrea near to the cafe, but I had a problem as my Grandfather was park keeper!

Now I am a Tourist Guide and as part of general tour of Trafford, finish in the Park and tell people how Sir Matt Busby used to give his post match pep talk to players in the cafe — players arrived on bikes!!

Barbara Frost
Marion Farr nee Slack Says::
May 23rd, 2010 at 4:16 pm
I was brought up in Chorlton, and most days during the school summer holidays, a friend and myself would go to Longford Park at about 8am to have the swings and roundabouts to ourselves for a time. We took sandwiches and a bottle of pop and spent most of the day in the park, looking at Pet’s corner and the fish in the brook. When the fair came, it was a magical time, especially when accompanied by my mother on the Saturday night, as she had her purse with her!! I now live in Cambridgeshire and unlikely to see Longford Park again as I’m housebound.

Your Comments

Posted by rylands on March 22nd, 2008 in Your Comments

We are always keen to listen to your comments and suggestions about how Longford Park could be improved.

Please feel free to add your comments here

26 Responses to “Your Comments”

Robert Taylor Says::
August 22nd, 2010 at 10:54 pm
When i was a youngster i remember spending sunny days picnicking with my mother just on the brow of the dip near the old oak tree in front of the band stand listening to band music and singers. I remember kicking through deep dried leaves during Autumn. I remember walking along pathways through the immaculatly kept gardens and rockery with a little stream flowing through and under wooden bridges. I remember how beautiful the park was. Today, i took my youngster son to the park and to to take a nostalgic trip back, oh my god i was so shocked at what i saw. The front lawns were littered with rubbish and the paths covered with dog dirt. the gardens without flowers and the rockery area was a wreck with the stream smashed up and bridges missing. it was so upsetting to see the park in such a mess, there was even dead birds left laying in the animal enclosure for all to see including the kiddies. I wonder how many other park users remember the days when the park was somewhere lovely to go. so sad.
Lynsey Says::
May 9th, 2010 at 10:23 am
Further to our conversation in the park earlier this afternoon, I am
contacting you regarding plans for the golf course.

It is great at the moment that we are able to turn up and play and my son loves to do just this
with his friends, however I do feel it is a wasted opportunity. It would be
great if we could organise youth sessions or something similar which
provided the children with tuition and guidance on a sport which they do not
often get the opportunity to be introduced to unless their parents play and
travel out of the area to expensive golf courses. This space creates a
fantastic chance to provide introductions to golf at grassroots level.

Other plans which we mentioned earlier on today were plans for a bmx race track as
the nearest is platt fields park and as far as we are aware there is nothing
like this currently in trafford. Platt fields is heavily funded and
supported through manchester council and also british cycling and it seems a
shame that trafford does not appear to place much importance on providing
sporting opportunities in this area.

I have also noticed that the website states that there are toilet facilities which as far as we are aware is not
true, luckily we back onto the park but there are times when I bring my dad
through, who is disabled, and there is nowhere to take him. It is extremely
embarrassing for him and has resulted in him not feeling able to take up
offers of trips to the park.

We use the park everyday, however we will
always prefer to still travel back to our old park, platt fields, for a
proper time ina park as longford is unfortunately lacking in so many
areas.for instance, You will always see park rangers in manchester parks
that are there to help and deal with issues etc whereas I have encountered
numerous issues in longford..such as lads with bb guns firing at the
toddlers etc etc and there is never anyone anywhere that can deal with
things.

It would be great to hear from you soon and we wish you the best of luck
with all your plans, if there is anyway that we can get involved then it
would be fantastic to help.
Thanks and kind regards
Lynsey
Tilly Budd Says::
January 13th, 2010 at 2:08 pm
Are the Friends of Longford Park aware of the latest proposals Trafford are pursuing for the developement of the park in partmership with other interested agencies? These plans at a glance look to be very grand but having read into them more, I feel that Trafford are off loading thier responsibilities again and selling the local people a shiny package full of what might bes. When in fact people and organisations will be losing the use of the parks buildings which will be gifted to developers initially for offices and later a ‘maybe’ visitors center which is nothing to do with the park or its history or Rylands, nor will it bring ordinary families into the park. They also want to restrict car access to the park which will stop many families coming and/or cause parking problems for local residents. I suggest you speak to T.B.C. and get all the facts
Rylands Says::
December 16th, 2009 at 6:19 pm
Wendy,

Thanks for your continued support and kind words.

Much appreciated by all the Friends of Longford Park.
wendy Walton Says::
December 16th, 2009 at 2:30 am
I walk my dog most days in Longford park I live a

stones throw away and feel I am so lucky to have such

a lovely place to walk. I take my camera with me on a

lot of ocations and have taken some lovely pictures. It

can be a bit boggy in the winter months and wondered

if something could be done about these areas. My

children who have children of their own now, spent a

good part of their childhood in the park and have

grown up with fond memories, where they met other

children and have become life long friends. I would

like to think that for generations to come could also

have as much pleasure from the park as we have. I

think its GREAT!! that we have people in the

community who are willing to give up their valuable

time to make and ensure that Longford park is looked

after and taken care of. Without such caring people as

the Longford park friends our lovely park would have

fell into disrepair. I and Im sure many others would

like to thank you for all your hard work you have put in

to get us the £50,000 to make our park even better. Its

selfless people like yourselves that make this world a

decent place to live and we applaud you for all the

efforts you have done for us. A BIG THANK YOU!!!!

from me and Im sure many others, for all your hard

work….. We do appreciate it.

Kind regards Wendy Walton. (Keep up the good work)

If you are desperate I am willing to help out in any way

I can.
P Says::
December 1st, 2009 at 12:00 pm
Would agree with comments on pitch and putt.

It was a great facility, and I played it with a friend about 20 years ago. Trouble is demand fell because it was overpriced. Maybe if the balance was right between what they got in taxes, and what they charged golf users, it would have taken off. Now we get nothing there as an amenity other than an image of dilapidation…oh and an extra area for dog walkers
Rylands Says::
August 17th, 2009 at 6:37 am
Members of the community and the Friends of Longford Park have been concerned with the state of the pitch and putt area for a long time. A recent article in the messenger highlights this issue:-
http://friendsoflongfordpark.org.uk/?p=122
Sandwichbill Says::
August 14th, 2009 at 11:55 am
I’m very disapointed by the bad condition of the pitch and putt course, which is so bad it’s a health and safety issue. I suspect that the economic downturn and the loss of the lottery bid is being used as an opportunity to bring in a private company to maintain the park instead of council staff. The upkeep of the headges and shrubs has already been given to a private contractor. If a private company gets the contract at Longford Park, it will obtain more money from the tax payer, which the council will claim it now can’t afford, while at the same time providing a reduced service. In the meantime, executives at Trafford Borough are receiving pay rises. Go to a counsillor or publicise the park’s poor condition in the local press.
Rylands Says::
July 4th, 2009 at 7:46 am

(Image courtesy of Alan Moores)
Sometime in the 1970s the bandstand was removed from the park and ended up at Tramway Museum in Crich, Derbyshire

Not sure why it was removed but it seemed to be part of the park’s heritage and it is a shame that it has gone.
martin Says::
July 4th, 2009 at 7:33 am
does any one remember the bandstand (around 1969) where singers used to sing easy going songs on at the wkend i used to be about7 or 8 at the time i used to run about on the wall facing it all i can say it was almost magical
N Says::
May 27th, 2009 at 6:14 pm
Yeah ,, it be really cool if they was a skate park and if the older kids park got updated. Because not everyone can afford to go out to meet their mates and their isnt much to do at the park at the moment. And loads of my friends skateboard and rollerskate but have no where to go except the streets where its dangerous.
rylands Says::
May 10th, 2009 at 9:09 pm
R, Think you have made some good points. I have forwarded your suggestions on to the council. The friends will continue to try to encourage people to see longford park as an important asset that is deserving and in need of significant investment.
R Says::
May 10th, 2009 at 8:37 pm
When trafford cut their expenses and spend money on the park a few ideas to bring it up to date.
Update the under 5 ’s play area properly, ie new playing equipment not a new floor like what we got!
update the older play ground,
a proper running and cycling track all round the park thats well lit up.for those who dont use the stadium.
A bigger animals section which is open in the day rather than just sat and sun ( sunny days only).
skate park,
outdoor gym or adult play area, where us parents can pretend that we want to get fit!
colourful lights in the gardens for dusk evening walks, for those who like that, cafe like we use to have in the 70’s and 80’s.
theirs probably another million ideas out there, but one thing for sure, something needs to be done soon.because the park was miles better in the 70’s and 80’s.which is sad to admit!
rylands Says::
March 18th, 2009 at 7:24 pm
L, thanks for your suggestions about the pageant.

There are very few community events in Stretford so the pagent is really important and certainly could be improved.

The Friends of Longford Park don’t actually organise the pageant but we are very supportive of it and try and promote it as much as possible.

The main contact for the pageant is Victoria Mcleod on 0161 748 2300. I’m sure she would be very interested in your suggestions.
L ... Says::
March 18th, 2009 at 6:55 pm
I think the pageant this year needs to be alot better, as each year it just gets smaller and less about the reasons why the pageant takes place.

The car boot needs to be advertised more to get more people involved.

The fun fair needs to be alot bigger like it was a few years ago.

When the rose queen is crowned, there needs to be alot more dancers,singers and maybe a few story tellers. From around stretford to get the community involved.

The parade needs music and more entertainment to make people want to come out and enjoy the festival.
rose greenwood Says::
December 14th, 2008 at 11:07 am
the appaling state of the lighting in thr park is a disgrace, as a dog walker it is tretcherous in the mornings and evenings. the main run of lights from the entrace at Edge Lane / Cromkwell Road to the statium, some 15 lights, now has 4 in working order, this has been the condition for over 12 months. The only bright light in the park comes from pets corner without that there would be pitch darkness. This is so dangerous, are Trafford waitng for a mugging or fatal attack or a serious injury to a person/persons before acting.
R Says::
October 5th, 2008 at 8:12 pm
The new play area,sorry the new surfaces(same old equipment) really is like trying to pollish a turd. I cant believe that all the playing equipment hasn’t been updated from the 1980’s. Im sure when i went to the meeting at the town hall it was said a NEW play ground for the under 5’s.Well they really did mean ground! and nothing else.Its a brilliant park. but could be alot better,
M Jordan Says::
September 1st, 2008 at 1:50 pm
Having been very excited to see that the small childrens’ play area was going to be upgraded, I was disappointed to see the results. I am not the only mother who feels like this. Although the ‘piano’ is excellent and the new climbing equipment is good, some very basic elements have been overlooked - an area of turf is missing, old equipment has been left unpainted, some very offensive graffiti has returned and it has the general feel of a half-hearted attempt to appease its users. We live in an area full of creative and practical people, a resource that has not been exploited. The play area could be a really magical space. I hope this issues can be addressed, and if Longford Park is lucky enough to be successful in their bid, that we can see some of that magic.
rylands Says::
July 24th, 2008 at 12:38 pm
Longford Park has been in a slow decline for decades. Evidence of this is clear from the demolition of the historic glass conservatories and Longford Hall, the closing of the cafe in the ornamental gardens and the general poor state of repair.

That said, the current councillors and officers that I have spoken to seem genuinely committed to improve Longford Park and evidence of this can be seen by the £60k that is being spent on the Kids Play Areas. I understand your misgivings but would encourage as many people as possible to support the council’s 2008 Heritage Lottery Bid to restore Longford Park.
Nic Says::
June 25th, 2008 at 1:04 pm
I have lived near the park for 10 years now and find it appalling how it has been allowed to deteriorate. A visit to the park used to be the highlight of the weekend for me - if we had visitors we would always schedule in a visit because it was a nice place to go and made me feel proud to have it at the end of my street.

Now it is an embarrassment - I don’t take visitors there because it is embarrassing to ask them to queue up for a turn on one of the few remaining swings or the rusty slide whilst listening to them tell me how much better their own local facilities are (usually the visit is cut short by one or more kids falling in one of the many muddy puddles that form in the play area). Occasionally we venture up to the older play area but since I found a used needle/syringe a couple of years ago in the litter strewn wood chip/mud mixture that carpets it, I have not been so keen to let my children play there.

My daughter, who is five, has never had the benefit of quality local play facilities - and never will if the council’s only plan is to wait until 2010 on a gamble on lottery funding. That’s an entire childhood gone. The council’s unwillingness to invest in the park has meant that most of the toddlers in Chorlton/Stretford have been deprived of what could be childhood memories of a wonderful space. My son who is 8 is showing an interest in tennis - the state of the courts is shameful to the point of being dangerous.

We went for a picnic a few weeks back with some friends and the grass hadn’t been cut for weeks. I used to visit the park pretty much every weekend – I reckon I’ve been twice this year.

I am heartened to see that there are plans to spend 80k on play facilities but really think that it is too little too late to make a dent in the massive deterioration that has happened while the council have stood back and kept their fingers crossed that they ‘win the lottery’.

I cannot help but wonder if the real issue is that many if not most of the users of the park are from the Chorlton side but the funding has to come from the Trafford side I cannot think of any other reason why Trafford council would stand by and let such a wonderful space deteriorate so much.
kay rooney Says::
June 11th, 2008 at 8:01 pm
WELL DONE!THE PRESENTATION GIVEN BY DARREN WAS EXCELLENT,KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.THE FORUM RUSHED AND NOT ENOUGH TIME ALLOCATED TO LONGFORD PARK AND QUADARANT.A FANTASTC TURNOUT TOO!
Ian Says::
June 11th, 2008 at 6:23 pm
I would Love to see Longford Park get back to its former self I have great memorys of the park when I ran for stretford at the old stadium and then go around the gardens and all so played golf on the pich & putt course now I play crown green bowling good times so it would love to see the park up graded and make it somewhere to take the grankids as our pearants did
rylands Says::
June 2nd, 2008 at 6:08 pm
Agreed. If we can get some more members it would be great to do more community events.

Yes, Longford Park is a big enough park to have a 5km fun run. Another good idea.

It would be great as part of a revised heritage lottery bid if they would consider putting a tree lined path along the whole perimeter of the park. It would make the park look even better and would be a great addition for all the walkers, joggers and cyclists that use the park.
JVJB Says::
June 2nd, 2008 at 4:23 pm
Longford Park is a wonderful asset and has always been central to my kids play over the years. I’ve really enjoyed the festivals over the years and wish there were more such events because it really brings people together. LP also has a top-class athletics facility having run their myself, I was proud when my son’s school cross country event also used the track.

Why not look at a monthly 5km fun run like the one at Alexandra Park around this brilliant park? I know it’s not much income but every bit helps plus it raises the profile of this wonderful park further.

All the best…
Rylands Says::
May 27th, 2008 at 5:40 pm
Catherine,
Thanks for your suggestions.
I agree that Longford Park should be seen as an asset.
It is close to the mersey valley and offers valuable green space as well as having excellent bus, tram and road links.
Pets Corner is very popular already and offers something unique to the local community. It would be cool if it could be enhanced to be a small urban farm.

The Friends of Longford Park will try and include your suggestions in the 10th June Neighbourhood Forum. If you could attend this meeting that would be great!
Catherine Farrelly Says::
May 27th, 2008 at 10:57 am
My parents have lived opposite the park for a number of years and I worked in the school for a number of years. I think the park is an asset to Trafford and should be preserved and maintained. considering Trafford borders onto the Cheshire couuntryside it is sad that many children from the north of the borough have never seen farms or farm animals. Longford Park has a small pets corner, which if extended to include farm animals or a greater variety of animals, would be an absolute bonus for Trafford families who would have the ability to visit on a more regular basis, allowing the children to get closer to animals within their own borough. Longford Park is so easily accessible from all parts of the borough, it makes sense to build on what is already a pleasant facility.

Heritage Lottery Fund £2 million for the park?

Posted by rylands on March 21st, 2008 in The 2006/2007 Lottery Bid

Article in Trafford Partnership November 2007:-

Longford Park, in Stretford, will benefit from a £2million investment if a bid put forward by Trafford Council to the Heritage Lottery Fund is successful.

The funding would mean new facilities including a café and visitor centre, much-needed improvements for disabled people and renovations to the gardens to make them more attractive and safe. The existing play area makeover would be accompanied by a new vital youth facility - a state-of the- art skateboard park.

Consultation revealed that people also want to see the pitch and put improved and the addition of a crazy golf course and increased public access to the bowling greens. People also requested better signage, improved lighting and more seating and better toilet facilities.

Source: http://www.traffordpartnership.org.uk/pdf/PartnershipNewsletterNov07.pdf

Video of Longford Park Consultation

Posted by rylands on March 21st, 2008 in The 2006/2007 Lottery Bid

Watch the video about the consultation process for the Longford Park bid.

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