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Worden Park
The Peoples Park
If the Town Council have done anything right, it was the day they purchased the grounds of the Worden Estate and presented it to the people of Leyland as Worden Park. I have made a few enquiries about the Park and was surprised at what I found. Here is a brief picture.
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The Duck Pond
A great attraction with the young children of today and their grandparents. This pond had a much different purpose in Victorian times. During the winter the ice was taken and stored in the ice house on the northern side of the wooded area. Here it remained frozen under the shadow of the trees throughout the summer months and was used in the kitchen to keep the food fresh. |
Entrance to Marsden Theatre
The Marsden Theatre is a favourite with the People of Leyland. here the C'est Tous Shakespeare company perform. As well as the usual Romeo and Juliet and Midsummer Night's Dream they perform contempary works and also a Christmas Pantomime. These take place in the confines of an intimate theatre atmosphere. Coachloads have been known to come from Liverpool and Manchester to enjoy these performances. The group have been invited to perform in Stratford upom Avon this year.
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Worden Arts and Crafts Centre
Many of the old Victorian hand crafts survive here today. The craftsmen and women are in attendance most weekends. it is the place to come for that little something that is just out of the ordinary. |
Worden Formal Gardens
One of the more serene parts of the Park. This is the place to come if you just want to relax. There is nothing like the midsummer game of Crochet which is available on these lawns at appointed times. Just watch out for that theatre company. You never know when they may appear.
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Woodland Trail
Yet another beautiful and tranquil part of the grounds. This trail winds it's way by the sides of Shaw Broook through the woodland area. The path crosses the waters at many points by means of these quaint wooden bridges. The name of leyland is derived from Lea lands os Woodlands. Much of these woods had been cleared to make way for the town fields in the middle ages. This is one of several wooded areas that remain intact. |
The Hanging Tree
That is my own terminology for this outstanding landmark. As far as I know no-one has been executed here. It is one of the sets that the C'est Tous Theartre Company use in their outdoor production of A Midsummer Night's Dream. To the left is the Maze, to the right are the Formal Gardens and behind is the Lawn Tennis Court. These were all parts of the original Estate.
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C'est Tous Theatre Company
Would you believe it, here they are. It looks like another outdoor performance of one a Shakespeare plays. My guess is Romeo and Juliet but for the fact that there is no Romeo. Performances are on throughout the year in the intimate surroundings of the Marsden Theatre or outdoors when the weather is suitable. For more information or to book, telephone 01772 431300. I have no association with the group other than a member of the audience who has the thoroughly enjoyed the performances of this very professional company. Ticket prices are very reasonable too. For the year 2000 they stand at £9.00 for adults and £6 for students. |
More to Follow in the Future
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