People started to come into the Park, before we had finished setting up, looking for bargains and for the entertainment on the Bandstand provided by Voices of Hope Cancer Choir and Halesowen Brass Band.

There were lots of stalls selling all kinds of goods, great children's entertainment with Funtime Theatre, a Craft Tent, Archery, and a Bouncy Castle. We had the iconic Jensen cars, courtesy of the Jensen Owners Club, and our annual West Bromwich History Event in the Dave Healey Community Room in the 'Fort'. There was something for everyone to enjoy.

We would like to say a big thank you to everyone involved in helping us with the event, including the National Lottery 'Awards for All' grant which allowed us to provide the entertainment, the Scouts, the Volunteer Gardeners, and the Park's Gardeners who did a wonderful job of helping to set everything up on the day.

See photos below:

Andrew, fourth from the left, gave a very interesting presentation on his project to bring community groups working together for the benefit of all. He pointed out that the old community spirit that existed in his youth, when neighbours looked out for each other, has been lost. There is a need for groups to share their resources, with other organizations and to reach out to the community. One of the issues Andrew raised was that we shouldn't ignore our elderly residents, but should bring them into the community. The Gap Centre is already engaging with Lydon Lodge to the enjoyment of the residents. They also engage with local schools and he believes we should bring old and young together for the benefit of both groups.

The Friends agreed to support this initiative and said that they already worked with some organizations in the local area. One of the Park's initiatives in particular will be when the newly formed Angling Club is up and running, it will be a great community resource.

The Friends have been busy with two events in two days, which both proved very popular. First we had our AGM reported on below and then on the 11 April we invited children, in their school holidays, to a morning of crafts and a visit from Dudley Zoo's Small Animals team.

We had quite a crowd and a very successful morning as you can see from the photographs below:

Our members turned out in force for our 10th AGM and everyone was delighted to see Sue in the Chair, looking so well, after a very difficult year of ill health. Sue reported on a successful year of activities and what we are proposing for 2018, followed by Annette's Treasurer's Report. After the officers and the other members of the committee were voted in for another year, Nigel updated the meeting on the progress made in setting up the Angling Club and Park Manager, John, praised the work we were doing in the Park. This was followed by a presentation on the Friends' latest Heritage Lottery Project 'Saving an Historic Ghost Sign', which relates to the 'Darby's Ales' sign that was on a wall in Lombard Street before Lombard Street was demolished.

The photographs below show what a supportive membership we have and we would like to thank everyone who attended.