Queens Park, Loughborough

The Queens Park in Loughborough has been part of my life since a very early age.  It has endured a number of small changes over the years, but in essence it is still very much the same as it was in 1950.

As a child, my grandfather would take me into the park to see people playing on the bowling green. It is still there.

Close to this green was the duck pond, complete with duck house, and a small waterfall. It is still there.

The carillon, built between the two world wars as a memorial to the fallen, stands in pride of place in the centre of the park. Forty-six metres high and with forty-seven bells, it is still very much there.

The iron gates to the park located at the Bedford Square entrance have been painted a number of times, but are still there.

An aviary, although repositioned, can still be found close to a second pond, famous for its spread of pond lilies.

The band stand has over the years hosted many accomplished brass bands, and now awaits many more.

The ‘conker trees’ still provide the necessary fruit for what is an age-old game. Long may that continue!

The huge red brick building that was once the town’s swimming baths has been revamped as a museum covering local interests.

On a walk through the park on a sunny weekend afternoon, it is quite likely that you will see students from all over the world, taking a break from their studies and enjoying the peace of this beautiful place.

David Taylor