Melton Mowbray Town Estate

The New Park was officially opened on Thursday, August 5th 1909, by Mr Henry Wood, the proceedings being marked by musical festivities.

Mr Henry Wood was born at Aberford near Leeds and is a son of the late Mr Thomas Wood. He came to Melton in 1876 with the late Colonel Markham, from Culzean Castle Ayrshire, to lay out the grounds of The House, known as The Elms, in Sherrard Street. During his residence in Melton Mowbray Mr Wood displayed a keen and active interest in matters pertaining to horticulture and managed the old Horticultural Society during its prosperous career for 17 years. In 1891 he took over the confectionery business in Cheapside for so long carried on by Messrs Weston & Eckett. For four years 1905-9 he filled the position of Townwarden, his crowning achievement being the carrying out of the New Park Scheme, which has proved such a boon to the town. He was a sidesman at St Mary’s Church for many years.