The Park became a favoured place for football, and teams began to use the pitch for games in various leagues. A Hut was erected near to the main Washbrook Road entrance where the teams could change. A proper pavilion was needed and built further along the brook-side to provide better facitilies.
The old hut was moved to the smaller entrance further up Washbrook Road, and started to be used to serve tea to the visitors during the summer, by Mr and Mrs Hales. As the Park was so popular, larger premises were needed. During WWII the old hut became the Home Guard headquarters for the locality.
A new Tea Room was provided by Charles Smith who lived at 172 Washbrook Road.
1926 Trade Directory:
Spencer Park Tea Rooms; parties catered for; 12 tables; a speciality – bed & breakfast; ices a speciality in the season; open on Sundays; wireless concerts.
He is listed as a confectioner in trade directories for 1926/34 .
The painted adverts read:-
Hot & Cold
Luncheons
Served Daily
Parties Catered For
Bed & Breakfast
Fish Suppers etc.
Wireless Concerts
Spencer Park
Tea Rooms
Open Sundays
Hot & Cold Bath
At Any Time
Adverts painted on 172 Washbrook Road
The advert in October 1986 when it was more legible. Photo: Greville Watson
