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Descendant of steel magnate 'impressed' by park donated to city
IT has belonged to the proud folk of Sheffield for more than 130 years but it was a family affair when a special guest popped in to Firth Park.
Mark Firth made his first visit to the colourful area that became Sheffield's first public park thanks to his great great grandfather, also called Mark Firth.
In 1875 the steel manufacturer, then Mayor of Sheffield, handed over the deeds of the park to the future King, Prince Edward, and dedicated it "for ever to the public use and enjoyment of the people".
The Prince in turn presented them to the town clerk and declared the park open.
It was a massive event which saw 15,000 Sunday School scholars sing the National Anthem accompanied by military bands.
Since then the park has undergone many changes and there are still plans in the pipeline to improve the Clock Tower area as soon as enough money has been collected.
The Friends of Firth Park gave Mark a tour of the area when he made a visit from his home in Dorset to learn more about his family's roots.
Group secretary Cathy Cain said Mark and his son Hugo had also taken time to visit the cemetery and see their ancestor's grave.
She added: "We have been sending him minutes from our meetings for a long time, then he phoned out of the blue to say he was coming.
"They were very impressed with the park and thought the whole place was lovely."
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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