She wrote in her will a ‘restrictive covenant’ saying the land should be used as a public park or recreation ground and for no other purpose. Her wish has been respected by successive Preston councils. The park and surrounding areas were dubbed as ‘heaven’ and ‘paradise’, and with facilities including a bowling green, swimming pool and aviary, it was a good description. What are your memories of Ashton’s Haslam Park?
13. Haslam Park Memories
Swimmers gather on the side of the pool ready to jump in at Haslam Park in Ashton. Picture courtesy of John Swindells and the Preston Past and Present Facebook group | National World
14. Haslam Park Memories
Preston Holiday Week, for Mr A Wilkinson and his horse Jock, merely meant a good opportunity to get on with grass-cutting on the empty spaces of Haslam Park in Ashton. Image from 1951 | National World
15. Haslam Park Memories
Mr Thomas Walton, and Mr Albert Atkinson, pool supervisor, sweeping the algae off the floor of Haslam Park baths | National World
16. Haslam Park Memories
This picture shows the opening of Haslam Park Aviary in 1934. The aviary was presented to the town by Councillor John J. Ward. Here the Mayor of Preston, Mrs. AV Pimblett, accepts the aviary from Miss Peggy Ward on behalf of the children of Preston. The aviary was a delightful building having an overall thatched roof. It was situated behind the Park keepers house near the east gate | National World