“My first memories of Newbold were back in the late 1970s. It’s played a huge part in my life over the years.”
As a child, I used to go with my older siblings and play hide and seek. We’d roll down Beacon Hill and build dens.
I remember the full-sized train and the not so health and safety compliant playground! We’d paddle in the river and go hunting for lost golf balls – then we’d sell them to the shop for 50p a bag.
As I hit my teenage years it was the place we would sneak to and drink and smoke….meet up in the carpark with friends and listen to music. We used to go and watch the Tug Of War and Rugby matches held on the football fields.
I remember the beacon being built and lit.
As I grew older and had my own children it was a place for adventure again
We had missions with walkie talkies, we made dens, played in the park and had picnics.
During lockdown and our one precious hour’s freedom, we’d head as a family to walk around Newbold. When we were allowed to meet one friend, this is where we went.
I even taught both of my children to reverse park in the top carpark.
Then we got dogs and it became a dog walking place, a place of peace and reflection. I am there most days and it’s a huge part of mine and my family’s life .