Lightwoods Park's house finally being restored to former glory

William Morris wallpaper, grand ceiling decorations and colourful wall stencils are among the little bits of history uncovered by workers at Lightwoods House in Smethwick.

Since the house was built within the 16-acre Lightwoods Park in 1791, it's had many uses. But after the last occupants, stained glass artists John Hardman & Co Ltd, moved out eight years ago, it fell into a bad state of repair.

In February last year, a long-awaited project to bring the property back into use for the community got under way by Sandwell Council with the help of the Friends of Lightwoods House and Park.

This is has seen the roof repaired and re-tiled, windows and doors replaced and rotten wood removed. All of the rooms are being renovated and by next spring will be used for offices, a tea room, exhibition space, conferencing and training events, a children's centre and weddings.

"It's great seeing the house changing. The outside looks great. We haven't seen the front looking so crisp and smart for a long time.

"On the ground floor there will be a community or meeting room and the tea room. The upper floor is where there will be offices and the large former master bedroom which can be used for conferencing or weddings," said Julia Morris, community engagement officer for Lightwoods House and Park.

Discoveries made during the renovation work will go on show once the project has been completed to ensure they are preserved for future generations.

They include original decorative ceiling cornices found in some of the rooms, which have been saved and will be replicated with help of students from Sandwell College.

William Morris wallpaper was uncovered in the master bedroom when they stripped back the ceiling and a former safe room with a heavy steel door.

Slates used on the roof are reclaimed and have been inscribed with messages from local schoolchildren.

While stencil designs were found on a wall by the main staircase and their story was told by an apprentice for John Hardman & Co Ltd, who helped create them. It's believed they have been there for around 15 years.

"We found out that an apprentice held the stencil on the wall while the artist painted. We found this out when the apprentice visited on a house tour we ran. He got told off by the boss so the design was unfinished. We plan to leave it show and put a plaque on the wall explaining how it came about," said Julia.

It's not just the house which is undergoing a transformation. A play area has already been finished and is being enjoyed by local children. A rustic bridge has been installed, based on the design taken from an old photograph of the bridge that was there in around 1925. A new pond and wildlife area will be created nearby. Work has also begun to bring the 19th century bandstand, which will be licensed for weddings, back to life.

Also due to get a makeover is the Shakespeare garden at the back of the house, which is home to a tribute to royal garden John Tradescant, and the drinking fountains.

Educational and events programmes are also planned for the park and house which will give people the chance to discover and learn about the park's heritage and wildlife as well volunteering and training to enable volunteers to help care for the site.

In the future, it's hoped the site can secure a Green Flag and a Green Heritage Award.

Construction work is expected to be finished in the autumn and an official opening is due to take place in the spring.

As part of the programme of events planned for the park will be a play session tomorrow (31) from 11am and 2pm.

It may include sports and games as well as arts and crafts. It is free to attend and youngsters can just turn up on the day.

On Wednesday and Friday, there will be free football coaching for children aged seven and above provided by the Benson Community Project from 2pm until 4pm. While on Thursday, there will be a drop-in event between 3pm until 6pm where people can find out more about the restoration project.