135/365 Right on my doorstep!

Herschel Park in Slough has undergone a multi-million pound refurbishment this summer, restoring the grounds to its former Victorian glory. Previously called Upton Park, it was built in the 1840s by James Thomas Bedborough, a Windsor builder, councillor and entrepreneur who bought the grounds and landscaped it as the private pleasure grounds of a Victorian housing development.The park is also surrounded on three sides by buildings built by Bedborough. In 1949 the park was sold to Slough council, who renamed it Herschel Park before opening it to the public. In 2000 quite mysteriously the water in the ponds in the park totally. In January 2009 the park was granted £2.2 million - a combination of funds from Heritage Lottery and Slough council. Archaeological work was done to find where the original paths were, and using historical maps plotted the paths and reinstalled the historic gateways and bridge using original photographs. An old Victorian coach house will be converted into a new multi-use community and visitor centre, and a nature reserve which adjoins the park will be enhanced through the planting of trees and wildflowers.

This park is a stones throw from where I live, and has been open a month now, but today was the first time I got to go there hand in hand with my honey *grin* And these are the photos I took while strolling through the balmy summer sun (yes finally we had some!) The little cat was called Ringo (his name was on a star shaped collar around his neck) and he came over to day hello when we were sitting on a bench soaking up some rays and snuggling, then when we got up to carry on our walk, he came along for 10 minutes or so, scampering along behind! So Cute!