Name the new Cafe

With work well underway on the new cafeteria pavilion in Queens Park, the Chronicle would like to offer readers a chance to name the building, which is to replace the 34-year-old Jubilee Cafeteria.

The impressive timber structure is now in place and the design will enable users to view the internal timbers when using the new facility.

The wall materials, on both the cafe and games pavilion, have been carefully chosen to match the sandstone on the two lodges located at the park’s main entrance, where possible.

Councillor Andrew Knowles, Cabinet member with responsibility for health and wellbeing, said: “Queens Park, as the name implies, has many royal connections with a history to suit. Readers may wish to name it after a royal event, maybe one that is taking place this year or even a past occasion.

“The details of the winners will be engraved on a plaque within the building and they will also be invited to be the first people to enjoy a meal in the new facility, together with up to five of their friends and family.”

Readers are also invited to suggest ideas for what items they consider should go into a time capsule, which will be buried in the park grounds. Those with the winning suggestions will receive a voucher for coffee or tea and cake for two at the cafe.

Councillor Roy Cartlidge, ward member for Crewe West, said: “This is a quality facility which will be the hub of activities within Queens Park and a focal meeting point for many years to come.

“We obviously can’t keep referring to it as the new pavilion and so would welcome readers’ ideas. The idea for the time capsules is a fun one which will provide much enjoyment when it is unveiled in years to come.”

Queens Park, once renowned as one of the finest parks in the North West, is undergoing a £6.5m transformation to bring it back to its former glory. The Heritage Lottery Fund is providing a £2.7m support grant with the rest of the investment coming from Cheshire East Council.

Within the park’s 45 acres are walkways, trees, shrubs, planting, children’s play area, crown green bowling, putting, boating lake (currently drained for construction works), grassed areas, memorials and cafeteria.

For more information on the Queens Park restoration project, visit the Queens Park web pages at: www.queensparkcrewe.com or www.cheshireeast.gov.uk – then click on ‘leisure, culture and tourism’, then follow links to the park pages.    

Those without online access can request a paper copy from Queens Park manager Elaine Dodd, on 01270 537896.

SEND YOUR ENTRIES TO:

Suggested capsule items can be sent on a postcard to:

Elaine Dodd, Pym’s Lane Depot, Pym’s Lane, Crewe, CW1 3PJ.

Entries to be received no later than Friday, March 18.

Don’t forget to include your name, address, daytime telephone number and email address if you have one.

This week has seen the new steps go in and part of the roof going on

The lodges are progressing with the West lodge having the rear which wasnt original knocked down

The scaffolding is also up around the lodge for external work to be done.

The bowls hut is coming on with most of the wood now in place and its hoped it will be open for the new season, the grass has been cut ready to go.

Some news from the Friends meeting that the work on the Boar War, the clock tower and the Monkey hut will start next week. fish have been put back into the lake this week but there is still more to come so hopefully people will be able to fish soon. Outside the park by Tipkinder new drains have been going in this week as the area is always flooded.

Spotted on the lake on Saturday this Coot. I am not sure exactly what type it is but its new to the park and if you look closely you can see its ringed on its leg. It doesn't appear to be a common bird in this area.

Latin name

Fulica atra

Family

Rails (Rallidae)

Overview

All-black and larger than its cousin, the moorhen, it has a distinctive white beak and 'shield' above the beak which earns it the title 'bald'. Its feet have distinctive lobed flaps of skin on the toes, which act instead of webs when swimming. It patters noisily over the water before taking off and can be very aggressive towards others.

Where to see them

Mainly on freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs, rivers and town park lakes when deep enough. Sometimes seen offshore, especially in winter if freshwater areas are frozen.