When holidays were scarce and days off from the hard grind were few, a trip to the local park was a real treat for Langley people.
Back in the early 20th century, workers would take breaks from the soot and smoke of the town and retire to a range of well-kept parks that were a haven from urban life.
In Victorian times, the most popular break was the Oldbury "Wakes and Races" - held on the wakes ground in Bromford Road, Oldbury.
The week-long event in September would feature all the fun of the fair, including walzters, dodgems, coconut shies, freaks and sideshows.
A shorter event was also held in spring time at the same ground, to get people in the mood for summer.
Away from the sparkle of the fair, more day to day entertainment was offered by the very first recreation ground in Oldbury in Park Lane, opposite the Chance and Hunt's works.
Langley Park was the first large public park to be created, and its opening on August 4, 1886, prompted great celebrations in the town. The land on which it was built had been full of springs and was boggy so good drainage was installed and tons of ashes laid before it was turfed.
The park was fenced off with ornamental railings and there was a park keeper's lodge next to the entrance.
Unemployed men in the district were given the task of laying out the new park and they looked on proudly as new facilities for cricket, football and tennis were made available.
More pictures and information about historical Langley Parks is available from the book "Playing and Performing in Langley", published by Oldbury Local History Group, priced £10.
