My Backyard

I’m writing this as we are in the midst of our 2nd lockdown here in England. We are therefore restricted to ‘essential travel’, ‘work-related travel’ or ‘exercise’ only for the time being. For Margaret and myself, this means that we can exercise our dog, but otherwise, we must stay put. So, Sheldon remains lonely at the storage facility and we cannot travel in him or use him.

We must stay local.

Which made me think, about how easy it is to ignore what’s near to us or take the things that we see or places we visit most days for granted. In my case, this would be the beautiful park which is quite literally through a gate at the bottom of the garden. It is called ‘Holywells Park’ and I’ve found it to be a very pleasant place to spend some time in. It covers an area of 67-acres or (270,000 m2).

Plan of Holywells Park and View from Walled Garden

Background

The Park (or the land on which the Park is found), has evidence of early human activity dating back thousands of years. Flint tools from the Stone Age have been found in the area, as have Bronze Age Axes and Roman coins. The area has historical records dating from the 11th century showing its change of uses. The records show is that it has mainly been used as farmland, with farm associated buildings and at one time a watermill.

Water

One of the main features of the land is that it has a plentiful water supply from what was known as the ‘Holywells’. Through its history, the wells have supplied water to the local community, farms and watermill (Ball’s Mill). This water was a precious commodity which offered a plentiful supply to a very important business which grew in Ipswich.

In 1742, Thomas Cobbold moved his brewery from Harwich in Essex about 20 miles to what was known as the Cliff in Ipswich. The water from the ‘Holywells’ became the breweries freshwater supply and was used in the production of Cobbold Beer. The spring water was known for its high quality as it was naturally filtered. Cobbold, not only used it for production of beer but in the mid-1800’s he also supplied fresh water to over 1100 local properties in the area through pipes laid under the streets. The wells were a valuable asset providing work and clean water to local people.

Holywells Park, Ipswich, (c. 1748-50) by Thomas Gainsborough

House

It was around this time that the descendants of Thomas Cobbold decided to develop what was a farmhouse into what became Holywells House (or mansion) - the home of the Cobbold's. In its prime, the house was a grand mansion with an Italian frontage and large Conservatory. It became a place where the local dignitaries and high society would meet for gatherings and notably the famous ‘Matchmaking Valentine Balls’. Landscaped gardens were developed with attractive water features using the plentiful supply of water. The house continued to be a family home (although in the late 1800’s it was sold). In 1935, it was given to the people of Ipswich.

The renovated stables.

To the right of these, as we look, stood the former house

Wartime

As in many places throughout the United Kingdom during the 1st World War, numerous people from Ipswich were to lose their lives. In another nearby Ipswich Park (Christchurch Park), there is a memorial to the fallen. This amounted to some 1481 local people, some of these had links with Holywells and 35 of these were from the Cobbold family itself.

When the 2nd World War commenced, Holywells was to take on a number of other roles to assist in the war effort. The house became a Red Cross Feeding Station and Rest Centre. Another area of the buildings became a Police Sub Station and parts of the park were turned into Allotments as part of the Governments ‘Dig for Victory’ campaign. During the 2nd World War, Ipswich was close to many German bombing targets. The park was therefore occasionally closed as the bombs fell. The Park and Estate also had other uses during the war effort and the Cobbold family lost a further 11 members during this time.

Demise

After, this, over time, the house became somewhat neglected (although the Park and grounds continued to be used by the local community). As a result of this neglect and the subsequent ‘dry rot’, the house was demolished in 1962/63. Sadly, not much remains of the mansion now, except the stables and conservatory. There are still photographs and paintings which remind us of how grand the house was in its prime and some of these can be seen on the ‘Information Boards’ which are spread around the park.

Thankfully, the Park and its grounds continued to be used and maintained after the demolition of the house. But, renewed interest, a vision of what the park could once again be, resulted in a desire to ensure that the park was restored and maintained as a community resource grew early in the new millennium. As a result of this, a group was formed to assist in the process. They became the 'Friends of Holywells Park'.

Friends of Holywells Park

Established in 2001 the Friends of Holywells Park are an active volunteer group whose aim is to increase local knowledge, understanding and enjoyment of Holywells Park.

https://holywellspark.org.uk

The Friends of Holywells Park host and organise a number of events throughout the year. In these activities 'The Friends' are supported by the Suffolk Wildlife Trust, Ipswich Borough Council and other charitable and private organisations. During ‘normal years’ Family Fun Days (July-August) are arranged, Practical conservation activities, bat walks (August), a Cold Fair (January), Holi Festival of Colour (April), Music Festival/s (and other concerts like 'Chopin in the Park'), Tea Dances and many more take place.

The park is now frequently used for charity rides, runs and walks.

Restoration

A significant achievement of the groups which support the Park took place in summer 2007 when work was completed on a new play area. This is situated on the site of the old play area. At this time the paddling pool was removed and a new stream was created which joined the 3rd pond to the lake at the Holywells road end of the park. The play area for children, incorporates a hi-tech teen play facility, Water play facility (summer only) kiosk, toilets and changing room.

The 'Play Area'

The Park also caters for other ages with a ‘trim trail’ which provides fitness opportunities for all levels of physical ability. This includes simple Balance Beams to a Pole Climb or Ladder Walk, which tests upper and lower body strength, coordination, agility and overall stamina. The many paths in the park are well used by joggers and fitness walkers.

The park is home to Holywells Bowling Club. It also has a Victorian conservatory and a restored walled garden.

Lottery Funding

Improvements to the Park had started, but more was required. So, In July 2012, Ipswich Borough Council were successful in a lottery grant application to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and Big Lottery Fund (BIG) for the Holywells "Parks for People" restoration project. The Grants given were for £2.8 million. Additional to this, the HLF grant was supplemented by funding from the Friends of Holywells Park and by Ipswich Borough Council. As a result of the grants, improvements were made to the Stable Block and Conservatory. The Stable Block became a visitor centre with a cafe and other facilities and the conservatory became a multi-function area that can be used for exhibitions, talks, meetings and other functions. The Stable Block and conservatory are now both listed buildings.

Wildlife and Ornithology

The park has a variety of habitats which encourage and are suitable for wildlife, birds, flora and fauna. Maintaining and encouraging this in the Park is overseen by a mix of stakeholder organisations. These include Ipswich Borough Council, the Friends of Holywells Park (who have information about species within the Park on their website) and The Suffolk Wildlife Trust who run Educational and Conservation sessions in local schools and at the Park.

Holywells Park-Conservation Area

Holywells Park gained Conservation Area status in 2003 along with the neighbouring

Public House - The Margaret Catchpole. The pub is named after a former worker of the Cobbold's, whose own life story itself is very interesting. (A link to this is below).

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Margaret_Catchpole

Today

The Park is undoubtedly a great asset to this community and the people of Ipswich. Whilst we have ‘endured’ the ramifications of Covid 19, I, I'm sure visitors have appreciated its green spaces, facilities, beauty, peace, nature and dare I say it, for myself, it’s history.

This is evident when you look at its rating on Trip Advisor:-

https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g190725-d1837450-Reviews-Holywells_Park-Ipswich_Suffolk_East_Anglia_England.html

As a newcomer to this area, I have enjoyed learning more about the Park and its background. It’s a green space where I have been able to exercise, walk my dog, find calm and to chill safely despite all the apparent madness that has been taking place over the past few months. It is a place I have grown to enjoy and appreciate. And as I said earlier, it's in my backyard - I just go through a gate and I’m in it.

And that made me think.

Do we take what is on our doorstep for granted?

Where are the places which offer us peace and rest during these times?

What can we find out about these places?

It may be a park or a place near us with its own history, it might be our own garden, or a bench in a busy place. It doesn’t matter, what or where it is. What it will be though is somewhere we can go to chill, to hear the birds sing, see other people going about there own business. A place that is, or could be special to us. I don’t watch ‘I'm a Celebrity, Get me out of here’, but it's widely reported that one of the contestants in the new series has a number of fears and phobias. In order to complete the challenges he is asked to carry out, he takes his mind to his own ‘happy place’. For him, this is the football ground of the club that he supports.

Do we have our own ‘happy place?’

A place that helps us get through difficult times. If so, let’s acknowledge them and appreciate them.

Lockdown has taught me a number of things, part of this is to appreciate what I have and the things which are nearby. Those things which can so easily be taken for granted, but are essential in helping us maintain balance in our lives and good mental health.

So a BIG thank you for Holywells Park and all those who help to keep it such a beautiful space and community resource.

Thank you again for taking some stephentime and blessings to you as you find, enjoy and appreciate your own 'happy place'.