Memorial bench unveiled celebrating Windrush Generation

A bench in Hanley Park has been installed to celebrate the contribution of the Windrush Generation in the city. One of 20 to be installed at the park as part of the ongoing restoration, the inscription on the plaque reads:

"First there were 492 who paved the way. Some stayed, some returned, some departed. They led the way, they faced adversity, their legacy lives on. Windrush Generation 1948 – 2019."

Organised by Robbie Campbell and the North Staffordshire African Caribbean Association (NORSACA) Robbie said at the unveiling:

“We simply can’t forget the contribution of the people who arrived here from the Caribbean more than 70 years ago, who came here for better lives and to help rebuild Britain”

Councillor Randy Conteh, the city council’s cabinet member for communities and safer city, said: “In Stoke-on-Trent we’re really proud of our welcoming spirit and the fact we have such diverse communities, which is something to be celebrated.

"The bench will honour and remember our Windrush generation, many of whom I personally know and have grown up with their descendants.

"It’s a really nice way to recognise their contribution, their legacy and to say thank you and I’m delighted to have been able to help the project get to this stage. I will be attending the annual Windrush generation fundraising event in the city on Saturday night.”

For more information on dedicating a bench in Hanley Park email hanleypark@stoke.gov.uk

Restoration update

The interior works in the main pavilion are now very nearly complete.

The new caterers who will be running the pavilion as a café along with the boathouse and an ice cream kiosk in the play area are soon to be announced.

The transformation is incredible. As well as a café, the main pavilion will also house new amenities for the park including a Changing Places room, that will include a changing area for adults and children with disabilities with a bed, shower and a hoist.

This will be one of only two such facilities in the city centre and we are very much looking forward to providing an area that is suitable and welcoming for the whole community.

Events and activities in July

Sunday July 14: Six Towns One City Carnival 11am to 7.30pm

An all-inclusive free family event - expect spectacular performances in an eclectic range of styles, global cuisine, fairground rides, parade and fun for all the family. For more information visit the organiser's Facebook page

Sunday July 14 and 28: Xplorer - fun orienteering activities for children – 9.30am to 12pm

A family-friendly navigation challenge that is educational and fun and gives children a sense of adventure as they explore the park to find the markers. No experience of map reading is necessary and parents are encouraged to join in the fun!

Meet the Xplorer team on the main path between the main pavilion and bandstand.

Tuesday July 23 and 30: Parklives - Pop Up And Play – 1pm to 3pm

A free multi-sports and activity session aimed at children between five and 12 and their families, including Kwik Cricket, dodge ball, football and other traditional park games. You can join us for the whole session or simply drop by and take part.

Meet the ParkLives team at the sports zone in the centre of the park.

For more information and to register contact Catherine Dale on 01782 238893 or go to the Parklives website

Thursday July 25: Parklives - Tots And Tones – 2pm to 3pm

A fun gentle outdoor exercise session that parents can enjoy with their little tots. Sessions are instructor led and are designed to cater for all ability levels. Activities include a mixture of powerwalking and toning exercises using body weight, resistance bands and light dumbbells.

Meet the Parklives team at the sports zone in the centre of the park.

For more information and to register contact Catherine Dale on 01782 238893 or go to the Parklives website

Summer holiday activities

For our Magic Monday, Wild Wednesday and Fantastic Friday children's summer holiday events, we've teamed up again with Stoke 100 reads.

All activities include storytelling, craft activities, are free (yippee) and run from 2pm until 4pm. Meet at the 1960’s bowls pavilion next to the oval bowling green in the centre of the park, near the canal. Pre-booking is essential.

• Wednesday, July 24: Wild Wednesday – Wild Stories
• Friday, July 26: Fantastic Friday – The Tunnel by Anthony Browne
• Monday, July 29: Magic Monday – Wild Stories and Wild Poems
• Wednesday, July 31: Wild Wednesday – The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson

To book a space and for more information contact park liaison officers - Claire Studman on 07584 174465 or Kirsty Forrester on 07787 005946 or email hanleypark@stoke.gov.uk

Every Saturday morning: Hanley Park Parkrun – 9am

A free timed 5k run or walk around the park for all abilities.
Meet at the start near the bandstand in the centre of the park. If it is your first time, you will be required to register before you arrive.
Click here to find out more and details on how to register.