About FoBP

Who we are and what we do

The Friends of Beaumont Park is a voluntary group actively working with Kirklees Council to regenerate the Park and restore it to its former glory.

About FoBP

Formation

Over the years there have been many changes to the Park, resulting in it falling into disrepair and suffering from neglect. The castle was demolished in 1964, the paddling pool was filled in and grassed over in 1988, and when the Pavilion was demolished in 1998 a group of local residents formed the Friends of Beaumont Park to act as a pressure group working with Kirklees Council with a view to restoring the Park.  Following members approval given at our AGM in December 2008 we applied to become a Company Limited by Guarantee and with effect from 1 April 2009 we became a Limited Company and on 23 April 2009 we became a Registered Charity.

Park Maintenance

FoBP works with Kirklees Council on a regularly-reviewed action plan for maintenance of the Park, resulting in steps being repaired, various paths being resurfaced, additional litter bins provided and new benches installed.

Park Restoration

Since its opening in 1883, Beaumont Park has seen many changes.  The Friends continue to work closely with Kirklees Council to regenerate the Park and restore it to its former glory.  Find out more about the Park's History and Heritage, and our Restoration Projects.

Visitor Centre

In 2003 a Visitor Centre was provided by Kirklees Council, situated near the main entrance and officially opened by Sir John Harman, then chairman of the Environment Agency. In 2007 we improved the Visitor Centre with money from the Community Chest (sponsored by Cummins Turbo Technologies) and Awards for All. The Visitor Centre is open on Thurday and Sunday afternoons throughout the year for teas, coffee and homemade cakes organised by 'Friends' volunteers. Monies raised are used for the continued restoration of the park and additional income is generated by hiring out the Centre to a variety of community groups.

Park Promotion and Awareness

We have obtained funding from Heritage Lottery to work on signage and to promote the Park through publicity, the production of leaflets and this website.

Events

Each year the 'Friends' organises a programme of events, the main ones being the Gala in July and Heritage Day in September, which attract a large number of visitors to the Park. Also included in the programme are regular band concerts, Easter activities and a Christmas Carol concert.  Find out what's happening with our events Calendar.

Volunteer Working Parties

The committee is split into sub-groups looking after History and Heritage, Events, Visitor Centre, Signage, Park Affairs, Funding and Administration. A programme of work is drawn up each year in association with Kirklees Council, and the 'Friends' volunteers carry out various tasks in the park, mainly in the winter months. Among other activities this can involve clearing paths, cutting back overgrown vegetation and assisting in re-planting programmes.

We have several volunteers who help in the Visitor Centre and others who deal with administration.

We always need help on event days. If you are able to help please contact us on 01484 645217 or by email friends@fobp.co.uk.

Following the AGM on 25 November 2009 a new management committee has been appointed.

Peter Turner - Chair (Director and Trustee)

Pat Battye - Deputy Chair  (not a cheque signatory - to be appointed Director and Trustee)(Bandstand Project Team)

Tony Moyle - Hon Secretary (Director and Trustee)

Mary Kenworthy - Hon Treasurer (Director and Trustee but not a cheque signatory)(Administration, Website, Bandstand Project Team)

Michael Rayner - Publicity Co-ordinator (Director and Trustee)

Management Committee (including the above)

Pauline Blackburn (Park and newsletter distribution) 

Glyn Brooke (FoBP Park Ranger)

Betty Dawson (Minutes Secretary)

Joan Hanan (Visitor Centre sub-committee)

Philip Jackson (Visitor Centre sub-commitee, posters)

Ken Kaye (Merchandise)

Anne Mallinson (Events Co-ordinator, visitor centre hire and maintenance, Bandstand Project Team)

Karen Moyle (Special Events organiser, History and Heritage Chair, Bandstand Project Team)

John Pearson (Bandstand Project Team, History and Heritage Team)

Anne Ross (Park)

Malcolm Taylor (Visitor Centre operations and Funding)

Pauline Tymchak (Park, signage and leaflets)

Cllr Molly Walton - (Kirklees liaison and funding)