Park memories take Jorja Smith back to childhood

Brit Award-winning singer Jorja Smith has fondly recalled childhood visits to Walsall Arboretum, describing it as a place that reminds her of "being younger".

The Walsall-born musician spoke about the park in a video shared on social media while reflecting on her hometown roots.

Smith said the Arboretum was one of the places she enjoyed returning to whenever she visited Walsall.

"I just think it's a really nice place to come, have a walk, see some trees. If the skies are blue, it looks really pretty," she said.

"It reminds me of being younger."

Her comments have delighted people involved with the park, including a former play scheme worker who remembered Smith as a child.

Pat Newman recalled Smith attending a play scheme in Walsall when she was nine years old.

"She was a lovely, delightful little girl," Newman said.

"She always wanted to take part in everything that was going on."

Newman said she met Smith again years later and asked how she was getting on.

She has since watched the youngster she remembers become an internationally successful musician.

"I think it's lovely, her career," Newman said.

Newman also remembered encouraging Smith and the other children at the play scheme to believe they could achieve their ambitions.

"I always used to tell her and the other kids, 'It's all out there and if you work hard you'll get where you want to go'," she said.

"That's amazing. I saw her as a little girl and the next thing she's in London doing her music.

"It's nice to have known her as a little girl and now she's doing amazingly well."

Walsall Arboretum spans 170 acres (69 hectares) and includes Hatherton Lake, veteran trees and a historic bandstand.

The park occupies the site of Reynolds Hall, the 16th Century home of the Persehouse family, and hosts a wide range of community events throughout the year.

Fiona Macmillian, who is involved with activities at the Arboretum, said those connected with the park were thrilled by Smith's comments.

"We're absolutely delighted that she mentioned the Arboretum," she said.

Macmillian said the park offered something for all ages, bringing together families and the wider community through events and activities.

"It's also great for grown-ups," she said. "They have stuff for old codgers like the classic car theme that's full of blokes."

The Arboretum hosts fireworks displays, Pride events, choirs, craft groups, willow weaving sessions and Sunday concerts at its bandstand.

"Whole families come to the fireworks. The fireworks is a big cheese, and then Pride do at least two events," Fiona said.

"We've got the choir and the ukulele group and the crafters and the willow weavers, all sorts.

"They have a bandstand Sunday concert, it's in the centre green, and that's great fun.".

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