These fascinating 30 year old photos show how scenic Botanic Gardens in Churchtown in Southport looked during the 1990s.
They take people on a trip back in time to the days when visitors could row boats on the Botanic Gardens lake, enjoy a visit to the old Botanic Gardens Museum or take a trip around the park on the road train. There was also a fountain in the lake.
Do they bring back memories for you?
The images were given by local Southport historian David Walshe to Botanic Gardens campaigner David Rawsthorne, who founded the Make A Change For Botanic campaign.
The campaign group is working closely with the volunteers from the Botanic Gardens Community Association, who have been working hard to keep the park looking its best over the past decade.
David is asking people to share your pictures and your memories of the Botanic gardens, as the campaign continues with its ambition of helping to restore the historic park to its former glory.
In the past few months Make A Change for Botanic has raised over £26,000 in funding to help improve the Botanic Gardens. Fundas have come through a Sportsman’s Dinner with former Liverpool FC and England star John Barnes at Bliss Hotel in Southport and a raffle.
David Rawsthorne said: “Here are some fantastic photos of the Botanic Gardens that have come into my possession from local historian David Walshe.
“I’m guessing they are from the mid 1990s , let me know what you think.
“This is how I remember the Botanic Gardens growing up. It is lovely to see, hopefully the park will be back like this in the not to distant future
“Have you got any photos from days gone by of the Botanic Gardens? We would love you to share them with us.”
Last year, Sefton Council revealed its long term ambitions to transform Botanic Gardens.
The local authority said that the former Botanic Gardens Museum could be transformed into a new hotel and wedding venue incorporating a restaurant, bar and cafe.
Boating could return to the lake, while a new cafe could open on the northern edge.
Other new attractions could include: a Victorian carousel, heritage fairground attractions, butterfly house, cactus house, and a destination scale play area attraction and high ropes course.
Originally opened in 1874, these Victorian gardens are bursting with floral splendour and colourful displays. Sadly the park, which is largely maintained by Botanic Gardens Community Association volunteers with support from Green Sefton, has been in decline in recent years, with the Botanic Gardens Museum being closed on 24 April 2011, with its exhibits dispersed.
Sefton Council has now agreed to support the concept of developing a new major scheme for the Botanic Gardens, and has revealed an outline Vision for the park and how it could look.
Visitors to the park will be delighted to see a new future for the Botanic Gardens Museum, which first opened in 1876.
The famous showman Phineas T Barnum was an advisor in the construction of the museum, and his top hat was on display there.
In his report to councillors, Sefton Council’s Head of Locality Services wrote: “The long-term Vision for the park is to restore Botanic Gardens into a high-quality tourist destination attraction for Southport.
“The park and buildings could be redeveloped for more sustainable functions that encourage users to spend more time and money in the park.”
Make A Change for Botanic is currently organising a Botanic Gardens Family Fun Day this summer.
The free event takes place at the Botanic Gardens in Churchtown in Southport on Sunday, 19th June, between 10am and 4pm. It is sponsored by Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery.
Visitors can celebrate the grand unveiling of the brand new Botanic Gardens mural at the park, created by local artist Robert Newbiggin.
They can also enjoy a variety of attractions, including: art lessons; art gallery; crafts; music from The Wigan Youth Brass Band; animal visits; a petting area; children’s activities; rides; refreshments; music; and much more besides.
A number of stalls will also be present, with local people or businesses interested encouraged to get in touch while there are some still available.
Fun Day co-organiser Jess Thwaites said: “We now have inflatable rides and slides and zorbs from the fabulous martin at iZorb.
“We have Fancy Faces Southport and Debbie Lyn coming along offering face painting.
“We have Eden Tinsley bringing along her incredible fairy wings at Eden Events
“Joe Hilton from BeastWatch UK is bringing along some ferrets, skunks and turtles for the kids to hold, learn about and stroke.
“I wish we didn’t have to wait until June to show you all our ideas come together but it’s set to be a fantastic day.”
Local radio stations Mighty Radio and Sandgrounder Radio will be broadcasting live from the event.
Anyone keen to take up one of the stalls is invited to get in touch.
Jess Thwaites said: “We have multiple stalls sold to some amazing local businesses. There are now limited stalls available. Please contact me if you are interested.
“We really want this to be an opportunity to celebrate local small business and local charity causes.
“We are looking for a variety of stall holders from local small businesses looking to offer their own unique products.
“A donation of £40 to the Botanic Gardens Community Association would be appreciated from any stalls attending in order to support the event.
“All stall holders will need to contact me please, preferably via Messenger or Facebook until nearer the time. Alternatively call 07894497672.”
- Would you like to help the campaign to improve the Botanic Gardens in Churchtown in Southport? Please join the Make A Change For Botanic Facebook group here.
Do you have a story for Stand Up For Southport? Please message Andrew Brown via Facebook here or email me at: mediaandrewbrown@gmail.com
