Mandy has been in training for months for the Race for Life event on Saturday 30 September in Sandwell Valley.

She said the conditions were "pretty muddy", but she was delighted to complete the Race and raise money for Cancer Research.

Mandy would like to thank everyone who sponsored her.

She celebrated at the end with the 'Mandbot', saying "I'm not quite as fast as Mo Farah yet!!"

Thomasz in the centre of this photograph has been a volunteer gardener in Dartmouth Park for sometime and has made an enormous contribution to the upkeep of the Park.

Sadly for us he has decided to return to his native Poland. He has become a friend who will be greatly missed and we give him our best wishes for a bright future back in Poland.

A big thank you to Thomasz for all his hard work in the Park and also for the delicious Polish treats he has brought along to accompany our cuppa following the gardening session.

The sun was shining as we prepared for our annual Autumn Fair, although the forecast had been for showers. The forecast turned out to be correct, but it didn't deter people from coming to the Park to enjoy the entertainment and the variety of stalls.

The Bandstand was rocking with The Persuaders, who played lots of great rock and roll numbers, which got everyone dancing. In the Community Room in the 'Fort' there was a pantomime for the children, and 'fun time theatre' got the children and adults into the panto mood with their production of Dick Whittington. Following the panto we were entertained by Walsall Harmonic Male Voice Choir, with some wonderful songs from the musicals.

The Friends opened up the 'Snack Bar' especially for the Fair and Friends' members, Sandra and Jean, were kept busy serving the delighted customers who were very pleased to see the facility in use again.

Our popular stalls all did well and we would like to thank our members, who always support us, and the many families who braved the weather, for making our event a great success.

The photographs below give a snapshot of the event:

Alvaro was born in Chile, but now lives in the West Midlands. He has been visiting the many Parks in Birmingham to take photographs, and last Friday, 18 August, decided to visit Dartmouth Park. He met up with the volunteer gardeners and told them this was the best Park he had visited for the variety of flowers on display. He enjoyed his visit so much, he decided to visit again on Monday 21, and has kindly sent some of his photographs to us, with the comment: "Thanks for keeping this park so welcoming." A selection of his photographs below:

The Friends of Dartmouth Park arranged for small zoo animals from Dudley Zoo to visit Dartmouth Park on Wednesday 9 August. It was a very enjoyable event for both children and parents, as you can see from the photographs.

We were able to stroke or tickle a number of animals, including a chinchilla (who would normally be asleep in the day, but was happy to be tickled by the children), a snake, a lizard, a white rat, giant slugs, and cockroaches. Craft Tables also proved very popular; there was a children's tombola,and a long queue for Face Painting.

The event was such a successful, we will be looking to repeat it. It was great to see the Community Room in the 'Fort' being used for children to enjoy themselves and parents to relax.

Saturday 24 June was a great day for Dartmouth Park when it hosted Armed Forces Day for the first time. It was a very colourful and entertaining event to celebrate and thank our Armed Forces for their service to the country.

The event started at 11am with the March under Commander Major Matthew Lindow RLC, followed by the raising of the Armed Forces Day flag and a Parade inspection. The inspection was carried out by Deputy Lieutenant of the West Midlands, Stewart Towe CBE DL, who also visited all the exhibitors and stall holders to thank them for their support.

Sergeant David Oakes and Sergeant Andrew Gilbert were presented with awards by the Mayor of Sandwell, and the Mayor's address was given by Captain Alan O'Brien, PSAO 237 (West Bromwich) Sup Sqn.

An Act of Worship was conducted by Reverend Dwayne McQuaid, Padre to Oldbury Royal British Legion.

It was then time for everyone to relax and enjoy the entertainment provided by Northfield Caledonia Pipes, dhol drummers, several singers, dance performers, and much more. There was also a very interesting display of army vehicles.

The Friends of Dartmouth Park were very pleased that their stall was well supported by visitors.

The photographs below give just a brief overview of the event.