Oh, my goodness A-B, my mum and dad would turn in their graves.
I, like you, spent lots of days at Milnshaw Park. My parents were avid bowlers and as you say, gave them many a happy hour away from the grind of the work in the mills. From a very early age, they taught me how to bowl a mean round peg.. have photos of me mum winning the Cocker Cup, etc., and I also spent time on the tennis courts, in the paddling pool and dodging around the trees.
Just can't believe the change .. I am genuinly shocked, as haven't been that way for years .. summat gotta' be done .. will take a look during the hols.