IN the centre of one of the poorest parts of Derby, on a site that was formerly a derelict, rubbish littered burial ground, there now stands - as a memorial to a local lady's generosity - a children's playground and an old people's resting-place, which compares favourably in its amenties with any open space in Derby.
    Miss Halsam, of Breadsall Priory, is the benefactress behind this generous gift, and visitors present at the opening and dedication of the recreation ground on Wednesday, were forcibly struck by the remarkable transformation which has taken place. From an 'eye-sore' as the Rev. J. S. Wilding termed the old burial ground, the site, under the direction of Mr. Howard of Messrs. Baron & Sons, Ltd., of Borrowash, has been re-modelled on the up-to-date lines.

Trust Fund Created.

    Miss Haslam, in addition to defraying the entire costs of the new playground, has also created a trust fund for its maintenance, vested in the Vicar and Parochial Church Council of St. Alkmund's.
    The converted site, which stands in Darley-lane, Derby, is already immensely popular with the young children of the neighbourhood.
    Perfect weather prevailed for the opening of the new playground on Wednesday by Miss Haslam and its dedication by Bishop Abraham, former former Suffragan Bishop of Derby. The site, under the influence of brialliant sunshine, looked at its best, the well laid out gardens, the facilities for the children and old people, and the general amenities of the spot being greatly admired.
    There was a large gathering to witness the opening and dedication ceremonies, and civic appreciation of Miss Haslam's generosity was reflected in the presence of the Mayor and Mayoress of Derby (Ald. and Mrs. W. H. Salisbury) and the deputy Mayor and Mayoress (Coun. and Miss Hoare). Others present, in addition to Bishop Abraham, Miss Haslam and the Rev. J. S. Wilding, vicar of St. Alkmunds, included Mr. J. H. Follows and Mr. Loveday (two of the trustees), Mr. J. F. ... Townshend Ducker, registrar of the diocese and Mrs. Townshend Ducker, Mrs. Abraham, Brigadier-General and Mrs. G. Meynell, Mr. W. G. Haslam, Mr. E. S. Haslam and Mrs. Maurice Deacon Chase Cliff. Nealry two hundred members of the general public were present in Darley Lane to witness the ceremony.

    In the subsequent proceedings references were made to Miss Haslam's generosity in providing the new playground, and she was praised for having had a waste spot transformed into a place of joy and pleasure.

    The opening ceremony, performed under a huge plane tree in the centre of the playground was simple but impressive in its character. Miss Haslam handed the faculty granted for the conversion of the old burial ground to the vicar of St. Alkmund's the Rev. J. S. Wilding, and declared the grounds open "for the benefit of the children and old people of the neighbourhood."
    The Rev. J. S. Wilding, in returning thanks to Miss Haslam on behalf of the parishioners of St. Alkmund's, described it as "a great happiness" for him to accept her generous gift for the benefit of the neighbourhood. The transformation of a derelict burial ground into that delightful garden was almost a miracle. It had removed and eyesore from the district and created[d] in its place a haven of rest and recreation.
    Mr Wilding continued: "Anyone who has passed by the old burial ground in past years and seen the collection of rubbish and refuse which accumulated from time to time, will be amazed with the wonderful change that has come about." Proceeding to refer to the legal difficulties which had had to be overcome in the matter, Mr. Wilding pointed out that no public objections has been received to the conversion proposals. To the contrary, much satisfaction had been expressed, and he believed that those whose earthly remains rested on the site, could they speak, would express gratification also at the alteration which had taken place. The new use to which the ground was being put was in keeping with its sacred purpose. The spirit of the dead was mingling with the pure joy of the living.
    "Visitors will wonder," added Mr. Wilding, "why there is to be no vote of thanks to the donor of this gift - Miss Haslam. It is at her express wish that this been omitted, but the occasion cannot be allowed to pass without reference to her generosity. She is a most kind-hearted woman and we are deeply grateful to her for this wonderful gift to the poor children of this neighbourhood."

    "It will prove a pleasure to everyone who uses it widely"

    A tribute to Miss Haslam was also paid by the Mayor, who said that the work had been a delight to her. "We and future generations," added Ald. Salisbury," will be for ever indebted to Miss Haslam for her generosity, and the best thanks we can give her is to use the benefits of this pleasure ground wisely and well."
    Recounting how the pleasure ground had come into being, the Mayor said that two years ago Miss Haslam, seeing the dereliction of the old burial ground, conceived the idea of having it transformed into a playground for children, and a resting place for the old people of the neighbourhood. She had seen that is could be made to benefit the poor of an over-crowded district. "It was a wonderful idea," commnented the Mayor, "and we see the results to-day."
    Ald. Salisbury alluded to his recent visit to the Poor Children's Seaside Home at Skegness, and remarked how much nicer it was, instead of taking children away for a fortnight and then return them to thier squallied surroundings, to provide them with a pleasant recreation ground all year round. Everyone's gratitude, he said accordingly went out to Miss Haslam. She had provided all the money for transforming the site, and in addition, had created an endowment fund for the maintenance of the pleasure ground, together with the provision of a caretaker. (Aplause)
    The Mayor concluded: "May this place prove of inestimable value to those who are pre-destined to use it now and in the future."

    The site was then dedicated by Bishop Abraham, who complimented the Church Council of St. Alkmund's on the part it had played in the matter, and praised the munificence of Miss Haslam. "Those who now, and in the future," he added, "enjoy its benefits, will not forget the honoured named of Haslam."
     The pleasure grounds were subsequently thrown open for use of the public.