THE restoration of Stourbridge’s Mary Stevens Park was boosted with the opening of the park’s new bowls pavilion this week.

Members of Mary Stevens Bowling Club and Wollaston Ladies Bowls Club joined together to mark the opening of the new ground on Monday (September 21) afternoon.

Chairman of the Friends of Mary Stevens Park group, Councillor Heather Rogers, said she was 'honoured' to be asked to cut the ceremonial ribbon.

Cllr Rogers said: “It was really great as we dedicated the new pavilion to former member and chairman of the Sons of Rest Ray Southwick.

“The original pavilion was also dedicated to Ray, who worked very hard for the group. I didn’t know Ray personally, but I have heard so much about him.

"People say he had a big impact on the club and was such a gentleman, so it was only right that the new pavilion was dedicated to him.

“Unfortunately it poured with rain when we came to officially open it, but we soon dived back into the Sons of Rest room for a short service and harvest festival.”

A sale of harvest produce, attended by more than 40 members and their families, raised £280 of which £140 will be donated to Mary Stevens Hospice.

During the short harvest festival service, conducted by Irene Layton, Cllr Rogers spoke about the work Ray had done for the park, as well as giving an update on the improvement work which is currently taking place.

She added: “It will sit wonderfully in the park, which is well underway with the restoration. Our new cafe and tea gardens are beautiful and everybody I have spoken to has said how lovely everything looks.

“However there is still a lot of work to be done before it is completed next Easter.”