On Saturday 21st August The Friends of The Carrs willl be celebrating both the 85th and 75th anniversaries of The Carrs becoming an open space for use by the public.
Why two anniversaries? Well in 1925 the brewer Henry Boddington of Pownall Hall made the first grant of land to the people of Wilmslow for use as a recreation area. This became the area that lies behind the Parish Hall and incorporates the children's playground . The grant of the land is commemorated on the stone arch at the entrance to The Carrs.
In 1935 there was a significant increase in the land made available to the public when Wilmslow Urban District Council purchased the remaining land and The Carrs was extended up to Twinnies Bridge, increasing the parkland to 50 acres and establishing it as the town's playground.
The celebration day on Saturday 21st August will begin at 11am and run through to about 4pm. In the morning there will be play day activities for younger people, run and supervised by the Cheshire East Council play team. These activities will include dodge ball, parachute, giant ball games, rounders and relays.
In the afternoon, from approximately 1pm there will be an exhibition, with an outdoor theme, by local groups and individuals. Participants include The National Trust, a mobile farm and a wood turner. There will also be opportunities to go for a dip in the River Bollin and to handle newts and farm animals.
Colin Shepherd, Chairman of Friends of The Carrs said "All are welcome during the day which will be an opportunity for the family to enjoy themselves with attractions for all ages."
