Memories Of Clifton Park

A Memory of Rotherham.

            I lived near Clifton Park for a number of years. My memories take me back to WW2. During the Summer months my friends and I used to play football,we put our coats down for the goals, we had a good game and arguments too. When we played cricket we played it properly as one of my friends had a bat and wickets.  
 Every Whitsuntide all the Sunday schools had a Parade to the Bandstand in the park and had a service. During the WW2 there was the Holiday at Home fortnight. There was an open Theatre named the "Alfresco" where the local Dancing Schools and Bands entertained the public. Also there were donkey rides, roundabouts, Swings and sand. At the bandstand in the early evening there was Uncle Archies Sunshine Corner. There were singing contests - the winner got a bag of sweets. Later in the evening was dancing round the bandstand with a local dance band.  
One August Bank Holiday Monday (I don't remember the year) two bombs were dropped in the park and one in the Girls High School across the road. It was a very dull and overcast day, if it been fine there would have been casualties. I also remember when the Paddling Pool was open. The old lake with the swans and ducks and the childrens museum with the model train.