Gheluvelt Park
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Gheluvelt Park is a public park in Worcester, England. It was opened on the 17 June 1922 to commemorate the Worcestershire Regiment's 2nd Battalion after their part in Battle of Gheluvelt, a World War I battle that took place on 31 October 1914 in Gheluvelt (near Ypres), Belgium. It was opened by Field Marshal John French, 1st Earl of Ypres, who stated, "on that day the 2nd Worcesters saved the British Empire." A plaque inside the park commemorates Captain Gerald Ernest Lea, who died on 15 September 1914 while commanding D. Company of the 2nd Battalion.
The park is located in the Barbourne area of Worcester, along the A449 (Barbourne Road) and stretches across to the River Severn. The Barbourne Brook feeds a duck pond, which encircles the bandstand, and is overlooked by a children's play area. A supervised paddling pool is open from the start of May to the end of September. A conservation site is managed by the Duckworth Worcestershire Trust and, following renovations to the old Victorian Pump House, the Environment Centre provides information about environmental issues as well as sustainability. There are also tennis courts within the grounds which can be booked by the public ahead of time.
The Friends of Gheluvelt Park organisation helps to organise events and maintain the park.
[edit] References
- Gheluvelt Park at CityOfWorcester.gov.uk. Accessed 22 November 2005.
- Pumphouse Environment Centre, Worcestershire County Council. Accessed 22 November 2005.
- The Worcestershire Regiment in 1914–1918 at The Long, Long Trail. Accessed 22 November 2005.
