About FoBP
Who we are and what we do
The Friends of Beaumont Park are 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. Since the castle was demolished in 1964, the paddling pool was filled in and grassed over in 1988, and then the Pavilion was demolished in 1998 which resulted in a group of local residents forming the Friends of Beaumont Park to act as a pressure group working with Kirklees Council with a view to restoring the Park.
Park Maintenance
Regular reviews of an action plan regarding maintenance of the park resulting in steps being repaired, various paths being resurfaced, additional litter bins provided and new benches installed.
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 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 additonal 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 designing a new website.
Events
Each year the 'Friends' organise a programme of events, the main ones being the Gala in July & Heritage Day in September which attracts a large number of visitors to the park. Also included in the programme are regular band concerts, Easter activities and a Christmas Carol concert.
Volunteer Working Parties
The committee is split into sub groups looking after History & 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. Amongst 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.
