Today, West Glebe Park is one of the largest open spaces in Corby - an ideal place for walking the dog or having a game of footy. But not long ago it was an industrial site - a huge scar on the landscape.
 | | An excavator at West Glebe |
West Glebe was a vast quarry. Ironstone was excavated here from 1897. The iron-ore was processed in blast furnaces on the site from 1910 onwards. In 1916, during the First World War, the quarry was abandoned. Gradually it became overgrown with trees and vegetation. Truants Historian, Dr Peter Hill, says West Glebe was then a piece of waste ground: "children used it as a playground before the influx of the newcomers in the 1930s. The village children used to find this a great place to come and get away from school as well!"
 | | Dr Peter Hill |
The original pit from which the iron ore had been extracted, was up to 60 feet deep. "People used to swim in here," says Dr Hill. "An early account - in the '20s - said there were three pits and this was the best one if you were an expert swimmer." It is memories of West Glebe Park that the Heritage Project wants to hear. They also want photos and other memorabilia about the area. Kate Nash from Groundwork North Northamptonshire, says they want help from local people: "The project is all about local memories, stories and tales about the park; what it means to the people who live in Corby. We're really keen that the project is led by what the local people have to say about this area." Events in the park
 | | Today the pit is partially filled. |
The project is being funded by a £47,600 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund. Also involved in the project is the Friends of West Glebe Park. A series of community events will be held through the summer to enable people to tell their stories about West Glebe Park and its surroundings. Displays and artwork will be developed to interpret and celebrate the stories the project uncovers. The project will culminate with a community event in the park during the summer of 2007. Get involved Find out more about West Glebe Park and the project by coming along to one of the follow events. Admission is free. TUE 6 JUNE 2006: 18:30 - 20:30 The Arc Theatre, Rockingham Road, Corby. TUE 13 JUNE 2006: 19:00 - 20:30 Everard Arms, Corby. WED 21 JUNE 2006: 14:00 - 16:00 Corby Old Village Community Centre. THU 6 JULY 2006: 18:30 - 20:30 Stevenson Way Community Centre, Corby. THU 27 JULY 2006: 10:00 - 12:00 Autumn Centre, Corby. For further information, contact Kate Nash from Groundwork North Northamptonshire on: 07738 070681. | 
