Darby End TRA pay tribute with new benches

Thanks to Darby End TRA, Mousesweet park now has two lovely new benches. As the park is well used by local dog walkers and children who play football on the 5 a side pitch, the TRA decided some time ago that it would be a good idea for users to have somewhere to sit and relax on a sunny day, or watch their children playing football. The TRA hope that the benches will help to further develop positivity within the community.

Consultation was carried out with local residents who were unanimously in favour. Participation Development Officer Luke Tilt assisted the group in securing funding through Community Forum in April 2020. Installation of the benches was delayed, firstly due to Covid-19 and lockdowns and then staffing issues but are now proudly in place in the park.

The group wanted to pay tribute to John Mason who was the long time chair of the group, and a well known community champion in the Netherton area. Therefore they decided to dedicate one of the benches to him. John’s son who lives in Malvern found out about the benches and came along to the opening day, saying he would visit again in future when he wishes to sit and spend some time with his father. “Rest a while and smile.”