Saturday, 23 June 1923 “saw the completion of a scheme, the most important and beneficial ever undertaken by the West Bridgford Urban Council – the opening of the West Bridgford Hall as an administrative centre for the district, and of the extensive and beautiful grounds adjoining as a public park and recreation ground”, reported the West Bridgford Advertiser.
As seen in our photograph, thousands of people assembled on the lawn in front of the hall for the official opening which took place in glorious sunshine. There had been similar weather earlier that year when the hall estate was visited by the Government Inspector to approve a loan for the purchase. “The sun was shining brilliantly on a beautiful grass lawn with hundreds of blue and gold crocuses, which arrested the attention of everyone, including the Inspector, and brought forth the remark ‘that heaven is not a place where you go to, but where you are.’ The Inspector examined thoroughly every door, window, casement shutters, floors, wainscoats, and appeared brimful of praise and admiration, until he began to wonder and enquire what manner of man and woman had been responsible for such excellent order.”
The Hall was bought from the Heymann family for £14,000 who had declared that their desire was not to make money out of the sale, but to see that their old home should not become the prey of the speculative builder. They wished it to be preserved for the benefits of the inhabitants generally, so that they should reap the advantages of that delightful place.
A further £2,000 had been spent fitting it out to become the new council offices. In addition, a well wisher had promised another £100 for the provision of a children’s corner in the grounds. The colour photograph shows people relaxing in the grounds, a couple of years after the opening.
The local M.P., Mr Betterton, gave the formal speech opening the hall and grounds. He concluded by saying, “I am certain that generations yet to come will acknowledge with gratitude and thankfulness the wisdom and foresight of those who have contributed, in whatever degree, to the provision of their beautiful estate.”
Written by West Bridgford & District History Society.