THE opening of Sunnyhurst Wood in Darwen was an occasion not to forget.

Throughout its history, Darwen, unlike its bigger brother Blackburn, has always been a long narrow town.

At the time of the park's opening in July 1903, Darwen already had two excellent parks, one at the southern end and one in the middle.

It was felt that the more populous northern end of the town should also have its own park to boast about.

Sunnyhurst Wood seemed an ideal area for conversion into a public park.

The land had originally belonged to Henry Brock Hollinshead and used for hunting.

He sold it to Eccles Shorrock and it was from his descendants that the corporation took it over.

Historian Anne Hull said: "The mayor at the time, alderman John Tomlinson, was very enthusiastic for the wood to become a public park and proposed the scheme should go ahead in commemoration of the coronation of Edward VII.

"Alderman Tomlinson launched a subscription fund to raise the estimated cost of £2,000."

This would have cost roughly £239,00o in today's money.

The money was needed for legal costs, the layout of the roads, footpaths, the purchase of railings, the buying and planting of shrubs, trees and wild flowers for drainage.

It was initially thought that the land would be given free but this was not the case and the acquisition of the land cost the town £4,000, or £477,000 today.

Part of the land was originally intended to be used as a reservoir but this did not happen.

Much praise went to alderman Tomlinson for securing the wood for the benefit of the public.

On Thursday July 2, 1903 at 3.30pm, a large3 company met at the Old English Gateway in Tockholes Road, the main entrance to the wood.

This gateway, designed in the style of a Lych gate, was the gift of John Chadwick.

He presented the mayoress, Mrs Robert Shorrock, with the key and invited her to unlock the gate and declare the woods open.

The mayor thanked Mr Chadwick for his gift of the gateway.

On that sunny day at 4pm dignitaries were invited to a celebratory garden party provided by the mayor.

There was a marquee with light refreshments and entertainment.